In less than two weeks, the Detroit Tigers take the field to start a new season.
They look to build on the surprising success of last year. Let's survey the field ahead of Opening Day.
Manager A.J. Hinch did a remarkable job leading the Tigers back to the playoffs.
The Motor City kitties won 15 of their final 20 games, taking the American League’s sole remaining Wild Card spot.
They clawed past the Houston Astros, advancing to the American League Division Series.
That playoff experience is priceless for this burgeoning bunch. But it won't get any easier this year.
Catcher Jake Rogers had a major hand in the team's turnaround. His defense was noteworthy as Rogers was later nominated for a Gold Glove award. The 29-year-old Texan's top priority today has to be improving as a hitter. His slash line (.197/.255/.352) through the end of Septemer — batting average, on base percentage and slugging percentage — leaves much to be desired.
23-year-old infielder Colt Keith takes over at first base. The 6-foot-2 Ohio native is one of Detroit's brightest young stars. And there's a feeling he will shine far brighter.
Two-time All-Star Gleyber Torres joins the Tigers as a free agent signing this season. Torres is tabbed as the starter at second base. The 28-year-old Venezuelan dons the Old English D after seven seasons with the New York Yankees. Torres brings invaluable experience to a young roster.
32-year-old former Gold Glover Javier Báez lines up at shortstop. The Puerto Rican veteran has split time at short and designated hitter this spring. Báez backupTrey Sweeney has made strides and might soon crack the batting lineup, so things are fluid in that regard.
Rookie third baseman Jace Jung rounds out the starting infield unit. Jung graduated from the Tigers' farm system and saw limited action near the end of 2024.
On a related note, the club's farm system was named tops in the majors earlier this month. Fair to say, the future is looking bright.
Left fielder Riley Greene has to step up his production at the plate. His bat will likely play a big factor in how the season plays out.
No. 1 center fielder Parker Meadows was ruled inactive for the opener with an arm injury. Meadows was recently placed on the 60-day injured list.
Right fielder Kerry Carpenter keyed the late season surge in October. The 6-foot-2 "Carp" captivated the city with an epic postseason. Can Carpenter continue to come through in the clutch?
The pitching staff is a work in progress. The top three starting spots are solidified, and the last two are up for grabs.
Ace Tarik Skubal makes a strong case for best pitcher in baseball:
He's coming off an otherworldly 2024 season, winning the American League pitching Triple Crown with a 2.39 ERA, 228 Ks plus 18 wins, and a unanimous Cy Young Award.
The 6-foot-3 lefty has picked up right where he left off. The focus here is on keeping him healthy.
Right-hander Jack Flaherty is projected to be the team's No. 2 starter. Flaherty returns to the Motor City on a free agent deal. The 6-foot-4 hurler posted a 2.95 ERA with 133 strikeouts over 106 2/3 innings as a Tiger last year before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Righty Reese Olson is locked in at No. 3 in the rotation. The 25-year-old Georgian has been pitching like he's got something to prove this preseason. Olson has been on point, with a hellish changeup that keeps opposing hitters on their heels.
Ex-Auburn standout Casey Mize is now favored to land the fourth spot.
24-year-old Venezuelan Keider Montero and prized prospect Jackson Jobe will get a few final opportunities to prove themselves over the week or so left in preseason play.
Jobe is a hard-throwing upstart who may need a bit of extra seasoning before given a lead role. Montero doesn't throw with the same velocity, but has a more refined repertoire.
Relief pitching remains somewhat of a question mark. Four familiar faces (Beau Briske, Will Vest, Tyler Holton, Jason Foley) return, with a slew of new ones added to the mix. Expect GM Scott Harris to make adjustments as needed as the season wears on.
These areas must be addressed to succeed in 2025: Detroit ranked No. 28 out of 30 teams in on base percentage. They only hit .234 as a team, with a measly 76 stolen bases. Basically, they have to get on base and manufacture runs.
The primary goal should be advance to the playoffs.
Then as we know, anything can happen.